Paula Abdul Exits 'X Factor'

For any "X Factor" fans who are thinking season two of the Simon Cowell-created singing competition will be business as usual, think again, because Monday, January 30, marked a veritable bloodletting of the show's key talent and judging panel.

In addition to the losses of mentor Nicole Scherzinger and host Steve Jones, original "American Idol" diva and delightfully unpredictable judge Paula Abdul will also not be returning to the program. A source close to Cowell told Deadline.com that all three personalities were asked to leave the show.

"None of the three left on their own accord," Deadline editor Nikki Finke wrote of what her insider source told her of the mass exodus. "It was cleaning house day at the so-so rated show."

Despite their frequent onscreen bickering and banter, Cowell spoke highly of Abdul when it was announced that she would be joining him on 'X Factor'. "I missed her the second she left ['Idol']," Cowell told Deadline last year. "Always loved working with her even though she can be a pain. I don't know what it is about her, but I've always clicked with her. You just have to get that chemistry, and she's right. I've never found anyone better than her."